2008 Lincoln Navigator: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 30 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes (19% of complaints); the 2009 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Apr 2008
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 30 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The brake booster vacuum hose attached to the intake manifold fitting swelled over time and was close to detaching from the intake manifold fitting. This condition could allow the hose to detach from the fitting during an engine backfire, resulting in loss of power brake assist and increased brake pedal effort. As a result, stopping distance may increase and potentially result in a crash.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Dec 2025
“Factory chrome painted wheels peeling caused tire blowout on the highway. The chrome separates from the aluminum wheel and the tire starts to lose air or in my case blow out. This is a huge safety risk and there's not anything I'm able to do. This is happening with many other lincoln vehicles that have chrome painted wheels from 2007 to 2014. Lincoln has no answers for me and suggest I order factory wheels. New factory wheels will just start peeling again.”Owner report · Wheels · Mar 2020
“My front driver seat won't go back or forward. And my running board is not working any more. On the driver side won't come out any more and the passenger side stuck out and won't go back in. I took it to my manica and he said it's a recall on the electrical system.”Owner report · Seats · May 2019
Show 7 more owner reports
“Tl* the contact owns a 2008 lincoln navigator. While driving various speeds, the accelerator pedal would become stuck. The contact had to depress the brake pedal more than once to stop the vehicle. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 141,000.”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · May 2019
“After turning the steering wheel the steering wheel will not return to center, it must be brought back manually. Second, the rocker panels front and back are rusted out completely and I worry about integrity and safety of the frame.”Owner report · Structure · Aug 2018
“While driving on the highway the brakes were applied to slow the vehicle. When the brake pedal was depressed, a loud grinding noise and pedal shudder was felt. Brake power diminished, and the anti-skid light illuminated. Once off the pedal, the car coasted for a few seconds. The brake was applied, and the system went back to normal. Ford is unable to find an issue with the system or duplicate the event. ABS was not engaged in this situation. Gradual brake pedal pressure was applied to slow the vehicle, not come to abrupt stop. However, the car was unable to slow due to the malfunction.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Jun 2016
“The brakes do not always function. Pedal goes down to floor. Brought to lincolns attention last april, june and july. We have notes and letters with heather carlyle from lincoln motor company”Owner report · Service Brakes · Apr 2016
“Tl* the contact owns a 2008 lincoln navigator. The contact stated at low speeds the vehicle brake pedal went to the floorboard and failed to respond. In addition, the traction control and the maintenance warning indicators illuminated. The contact stated after a few minutes, the brake pedal functioned normally and after restarting the vehicle, it operated normally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it could not be diagnosed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Jan 2016
“Tl* the contact owns a 2008 lincoln navigator. While driving at 37 mph, another vehicle crashed into the vehicle and the air bags did not deploy. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The driver and the passenger in the other vehicle sustained injuries that required medical attention. A police report was filed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 101,000.”Owner report · Air Bags · May 2015
“Running board motor failure bilaterally, just like 2004 model. Rear window leaks from top moulding., just like 2004 model. Rear lift door rust right under the window, just like 2004 model. *tr”Owner report · Visibility/Wiper · Jun 2013
When filing, owners marked a crash in 2 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
FORD IS RECALLING 123,632 MY 2007-2008 EXPEDITION AND LINCOLN NAVIGATOR VEHICLES. THE DOOR HANDLE HOUSING EMBOSSMENT RETAINING THE BOTTOM OF THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE SPRING ON ALL SIDE DOORS MAY FRACTURE DURING NORMAL CUSTOMER USAGE. THIS CAN RESULT IN INSUFFICIENT SPRING FORCE TO RETURN THE HANDLE TO THE FULLY CLOSED POSITION. THE HANDLE MAY BE LOOSE CAUSING A RATTLE OR NOISE AND THE HANDLE MAY NOT RETURN TO THE FULLY CLOSED POSITION. THIS CONDITION MAY ALSO PROVIDE A DELAYED RESISTANCE WHEN ACTUATING THE HANDLE PRIOR TO OPENING THE DOOR.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE INTERIOR HANDLE SPRING ON ALL SIDE DOORS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 5, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
FORD IS RECALLING 158 MY 2008 EXPEDITION AND LINCOLN NAVIGATOR VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS) AND THE LIMO BUILDERS PACKAGE FOR FAILING TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 138, Z"TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEMS." THE TIRE PRESSURE WAS INCREASED FROM 35 PSI TO 40 PSI WITHOUT A COMMENSURATE UPDATE TO THE TPMS CALIBRATIONS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL RECONFIGURE THE TPMS THRESHOLDS TO THE APPROPRIATE PRESSURES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2008 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact Navigator by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2008 Lincoln Navigator reliable?
NHTSA has 30 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2008 Lincoln Navigator. The most complained-about area is service brakes (19% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2008 Lincoln Navigator problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 60,000 miles or less.
Does the 2008 Lincoln Navigator have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.